 Computers in health care can enhance the quality of patient care.  Computer-related diagnostic tests can be used to determine what is wrong with a patient.

These test can be:  Invasive : test where something goes into the body (a needle draws blood from a vein or dye is injected into a vein for a test).  Noninvasive : test where nothing goes into the body (an ultrasound test or EKG).

 Computerized instruments are used to analyze both blood and urine tests. These instruments can analyze any body fluid at a rate of over 500 specimens/hour.

 The computerized interpretation system which can produce a visual picture on a computer monitor, and gives a print out of the electrical activity of the heart.  Important in diagnosing heart disease.  Noninvasive Test

 The study of x-rays which is used to screen and diagnose abnormalities of the body.  X-ray films are produced by exposing sensitized film to the energy waves from an x-ray generator (a cathode ray tube).  Soft tissue appears on the x-ray film as a shade of gray while bone appears on the film as a shade of white.  X-rays are taken by a Radiology Technician and interpreted by a Radiologist.

 Digital radiographs are one of the newest X-ray techniques.  The image can then be stored on the computer or printed out.  With specialized software, the images can be enlarged or enhanced to aid the doctor to see better than what was normally available on traditional film.

 The advantages of digital x-rays include the following: - Reduced exposure to radiation up to 80% - Environmentally friendly (no chemicals used) - Instant pictures means less waiting time - Shorter appointments - Valuable diagnostic tools

 This is an imaging technique that also uses a cathode ray tube to allow an observer to view a moving image.  This test is particularly helpful in diagnosing problems with the gastrointestinal system.  Images can be recorded as a still picture or a moving picture.

 First computer-based body and brain scanner.  Can be noninvasive or invasive (dye injected).

 Allows the doctor to see cross-sectional views of bone and body tissues.  Locates abnormalities such as tumors.

 Computerized body scanning device which uses nuclear magnetic resonance instead of x-ray radiation.  The computer translates the activity into a cross-sectional image.  Can detect lung cancer/body tumors.

 The patient is placed in a large circular magnet that uses the magnetic field to measure the activity of hydrogen atoms within the body.  May involve use of contrast dye making it an invasive test.

 Many patients are very uncomfortable with the MRI test (small tunnel – feeling claustrophobic). Some medical facilities now have the open MRI.

 A MRI is usually a very safe procedure. However, the strong magnet can attract any metal object containing iron.  An airborne object can travel at a rate of 40 miles/hour as it is drawn into the MRI scanner and can cause serious injury to a patient inside the scanner.

 All patients must remove metal object from their body (watches, earrings, body piercings).  If a patient has any pins or screws in their body or has a pacemaker, then the MRI test will not be performed.

CT scans and MRI scans of the body are displayed in the following planes: (a)Saggital (b)Coronal (c)Transverse

 Scanning device which uses a slightly radioactive substance that is injected in the patient (invasive test).  Allows image where organs and bones are viewed from all sides.

 The computer composes a three-dimensional image from the radiation detected.

 Noninvasive scanning device which uses high frequency sound waves that bounce back as echo sound hits an organ or tissue.  The computer creates a picture which is viewed on a computer screen or processed on photographic film.

 Used to detect tumors.  Used to examine internal organs.  Used to determine size, position, sex, and abnormalities of a fetus or multiple pregnancies.

 Creates a 3-D or 4-D colored image which can help detect any birth defects that may not be visible on a standard sonogram.

1) Hospital or Medical Information Systems a. manage budgets b. equipment inventory c. record patient information/lab reports d. schedule personnel & operating rooms e. maintain general records

2) Diagnostic Testing a. analyzing blood b. scanning body parts using CT scan, PET, MRI, and Ultrasound

3) Education of Health Care Personnel a. computer assisted instruction (CAL) b. computer assisted video instruction

4) Basic and Applied Research a. statistical analysis of data

 Admission Clerk a. records patient’s admission b. enters name, age, and other vital info  Physician a. uses word processing to enter patient information b. looks up tests results to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient

 Pharmacist a. checks for new orders b. completes computer MAR’s (Medication Administration Records) c. warns nurses of drug interactions d. monitors pharmacy inventory  Laboratory Technician a. gives new collection orders b. tech records results of lab tests

 Nurse a. records patient data b. confirms all physician’s orders c. checks test results d. documents on each patient’s record

 Dietitian a. checks dietary restrictions b. creates spreadsheets showing prescribed diets on all patients c. informs of nutritional analysis/consults needed on patients

 Diversified Health Occupations, 7 th Edition by Louise Simmers  Introduction to Medical Terminology by Ann Ehrlich and Carol L. Schroeder Created by: Kathy Vidal Health Science Technology teacher